Definition of stupendousnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stupendous different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stupendous are monstrous, prodigious, and tremendous. While all these words mean "extremely impressive," stupendous implies a power to stun or astound, usually because of size, numbers, complexity, or greatness beyond description.

a stupendous volcanic eruption

In what contexts can monstrous take the place of stupendous?

The words monstrous and stupendous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, monstrous implies a departure from the normal (as in size, form, or character) and often carries suggestions of deformity, ugliness, or fabulousness.

the monstrous waste of the project

When is prodigious a more appropriate choice than stupendous?

Although the words prodigious and stupendous have much in common, prodigious suggests a marvelousness exceeding belief, usually in something felt as going far beyond a previous maximum (as of goodness, greatness, intensity, or size).

made a prodigious effort and rolled the stone aside

Where would tremendous be a reasonable alternative to stupendous?

While in some cases nearly identical to stupendous, tremendous may imply a power to terrify or inspire awe.

the tremendous roar of the cataract

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stupendous Success, no matter how stupendous, harbors within it the seed of potential failure if taken for granted and not built upon. — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The mantra heading into second-quarter results is that another display of stupendous growth of 24% over a year earlier makes equities appear quite reasonably priced. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 14 July 2026 Between Sandoval’s 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball and a stupendous collective effort by the Boston bullpen, the Red Sox completed a 2-1 victory and series sweep of the White Sox in a brisk two hours and 32 minutes. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 9 July 2026 The Boston bullpen followed with stupendous collective effort, and in a timely two hours and 32 minutes, the Red Sox completed 2-1 victory for a series sweep of the White Sox. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupendous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stupendous
Adjective
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The all-metal chassis opens up to reveal a spacious keyboard, responsive touchpad, and a full 3K OLED screen with amazing True Black 1000 color quality and brightness.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There’s been a lot of amazing disability representation on Dancing With the Stars.
    — McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The astonishing details about the filming of Rocky as depicted in its new making-of biopic are true.
    — Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Democrats flipped an astonishing 15 seats in the Florida House that were held by Republicans.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Senior backup quarterback Max Cutforth entered the game in Madsen’s absence and led the Broncos on a miraculous, back-and-forth comeback.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Jones later threw an interception in the end zone from the Georgia 3, ending any chance for a miraculous comeback with five minutes to go in the third.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Jeon is marvelous in the role, allowing flashes of envy, resentment, and longing to surface beneath Mi-ok’s cheerful, accommodating manner without diminishing her warmth or loyalty.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But despite this, they were still conceived of as being located within the mounds themselves, real-world anchors for these strange, marvelous realms.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Shortly thereafter, the Rockets fumbled the ball away on their next possession, and O’Connell’s incredible night continued.
    — Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The Stones album is also incredible, in a very different way.
    — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The sommelier was knowledgeable and provided us with pairings that spanned traditional offerings like cheeses, as well as some surprising additions like home fries and oxtail.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The combination of our three creative personas is surprising.
    — Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The vote was a stunning upset victory for American democracy.
    — James D. Zirin, Washington Post, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Woven through the movie are hundreds of photographs that were shot by Richard Avedon, and there’s no question that the images are stunning, but the way the movie layers them into your consciousness is nearly musical in its finesse.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stupendous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stupendous. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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